More Athens Football is on the horizon!
Football in Athens has long revolved around fall Saturdays at University of Georgia, but beginning in 2027, the city will officially become home to professional indoor football as well. A new expansion franchise in the Indoor Football League is set to launch in Athens, bringing year-round football energy to one of the nation’s most passionate college football towns.
The team — whose official name is still being decided — will play its home games at Akins Ford Arena, the state-of-the-art downtown venue connected to The Classic Center. Opened in late 2024, the arena seats approximately 5,500 for indoor football and has quickly become a centerpiece of entertainment and sports in Athens.
The franchise is backed by an ownership group loaded with football credibility and Georgia ties. Former Jerome Bettis, legendary Georgia Bulldog David Pollack, and former NFL and MLB standout Brian Jordan are leading the project. Former Georgia head coach Mark Richt is also participating in the launch celebration and supporting the effort.
The official kickoff celebration and public announcement was May 21, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Akins Ford Arena. The free public event included live music, food and beverage vendors, fan experiences, street performances, and opportunities for fans to help choose the future team name and branding. Organizers are positioning the franchise as a community-driven team that reflects Athens’ identity and love for football.
The new franchise will begin play in March 2027, with the Indoor Football League season running through July. The IFL is currently the longest continuously operating indoor football league in the United States and features teams across both Eastern and Western conferences. Athens is expected to compete in the Eastern Conference.
Indoor football differs from traditional outdoor football in several ways. Games are played on a smaller field inside an arena, creating faster scoring, tighter action, and a louder, more intense fan atmosphere. The sport is designed for entertainment, with music, lights, close-up seating, and constant action keeping crowds engaged throughout the game. League officials and owners believe Athens is an ideal fit because of its deep football culture and strong sports fan base.
For Athens, the arrival of professional indoor football represents more than simply adding another sports team. It extends the city’s sports calendar beyond college football season while bringing additional concerts, tourism, economic activity, and downtown energy to the area surrounding the arena. Owners have emphasized creating a family-friendly experience that keeps football alive in Athens during the spring and summer months.
In many ways, the new franchise signals the next chapter in Athens’ evolution as a year-round sports destination. With UGA athletics already dominating the fall, the Indoor Football League now gives fans another reason to gather downtown, wear red and black-inspired colors, and celebrate football long after the Bulldogs’ season ends.
